The Glamping Evolution

December 13th, 2016 by cassiel

According to Reserve America, as camping progressed from tents to motorhomes in a span of 55 years, amenities also evolved. From 1905 to 1927, everything from the lantern to the air mattress, and even the s’more, was invented, setting camping on the path to where it is today. While some people still prefer hiking and pitching a tent, others prefer parking their luxury 5th wheels in a campground with amenities or traveling the highways and byways in a deluxe motorhome, waking up to something new every day. Although the definition of camping is different across the world, it seems to be a common interest that many people share.

So, what about the people who prefer staying in a hotel over traditional camping? To many of us glamping or “glamorous camping”, a new trend that’s started to become more and more popular over the last few years, is the answer. According to glamping.com, the history of glamping could be taken all the way back to the 1900s when Americans and Europeans traveled to Africa for a wild outdoor adventure, but still demanded the luxuries of king sized beds, Persian rugs, and a chef. Today’s version of glamping seems very similar with canvas tents made into luxury rooms, treehouses with functional kitchens and baths or RVs with crystal chandlers and whirlpool tubs. Glamping may be frustrating to an avid rustic camper, but for the rest it’s a way to see the beauty of nature with all the comforts of home and without any of the “annoying parts” of camping. No dirty hands or tent poles that won’t go together, just a pull up and relax environment.

The glamping trend has inspired people across the world to restore old into new and create glamping destinations, some right in their own back yards. Take for instance Martyn and Louise Steedman, from the United Kingdom; they started with a fantasy that encouraged an auction bid and turned into a glamping experience unlike any other. Their fantasy was inspired by watching the final fly past of the former Royal Navy search and rescue Sea King helicopter on television. When Martyn told his wife Louise that he placed a bid on the Sea King Helicopter they doubted that very shortly they would have to figure out a way to move it up to their farm property. After the helicopter made its’ 320-mile-long journey to their home in Mains Farm Wigwams, the couple started refurbishing and transforming the Sea King Helicopter. They spent 40,000 pounds (about 50,000 dollars) restoring the cockpit to its original state and transforming the rest into an unforgettable glamping experience with a view that can take your breath away. While 17 meters (55ft) seems like an oversized helicopter, the Steedmans had to fit a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping accommodations for a family of six into that amount of space. With the space limitations, the couple needed a table leg system that could be easily stored to make room for another sleeping area. Keith Bellinger (a distributor of ITC Inc.) showed them ITC’s Redwood Table Leg System, which ended up being a perfect fit for this helicopter turned glamper. Two of the Redwood Table Leg Systems were incorporated into the Sea King with custom table tops by Bellringer. The Steedman’s were featured on the UK TV show George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces; check it out on YouTube for yourself, search helicopter glamping.

So, whether you’re like the Steedman’s and go with an unusual glamper in your own back yard or are intrigued by the idea of exploring the great outdoors in your glitzy RV and taking all the creature comforts along, glamping might be the thing for you. For more glamping inspiration check out the top 10 best glamping experiences and don’t forget to show off your glamping campmosphere by using #ITCcampmosphere on twitter!

Just remember to enjoy the journey no matter what camping style you choose!